Symptoms of Thrush

Most women have been there. You’re distracted and squirming in your chair because it doesn’t feel right down there. Perhaps there’s a smell that’s a little, well, funkier, than usual. You want to do something to make it stop, now.

Although it can be darned uncomfortable, it’s not the end of the world. You could have an infection caused by bacteria, yeast, or viruses. Chemicals in soaps, sprays, or even clothing that come in contact with this area could be irritating the delicate skin and tissues.

It’s not always easy to figure out what’s going on, though. You’ll probably need your doctor’s help to sort it out and choose the right treatment.

About Thrush

Thrush or vaginal candidiasis are the general and medical terms used to describe a common vaginal yeast infection. Thrush occurs when there is an overgrowth of Candida albicans (yeast-like fungus) in your vagina. This occurs when the good bacteria in your vagina can’t keep the fungus (Candida albicans) under control, creating a suitable environment for Candida albicans to increase.

Just so you know, thrush is not a sexually transmitted infection. It can be really uncomfortable, but in the majority of cases it’s simple to treat.

Everyone is different, so your symptoms may differ from a friend’s. They may also change each time you get thrush, so watch out for these common symptoms and whether your symptoms are mild, moderate or more complicated.
In women with this disease usually affect the vagina and external genitals, the male head of the penis and the foreskin.

Thrush Symptoms

Most people experience symptoms such as:

An itchy vagina / vulva

Soreness around the entrance to your vagina (vulva)

Slight swelling of your vaginal lips (labia)

Cottage cheese-like white discharge

These symptoms aren’t uncommon:

Pain during sex

Thick discharge

Red and swollen labia

Burning around your vulva

Pain when you urinate

Sores in your vaginal area

Cracked skin around your vulva

You should see your doctor if:

You are experiencing thrush for the first time

You get thrush frequently, or if it returns in less than 2 months

There is no improvement in your symptoms within three days, or if they’ve not disappeared within seven days

You are pregnant or breastfeeding

You have multiple sexual partners

You are under 12 years old

You have fever, chills, nausea, or vomiting

You have a smelly or unusual discharge

You feel abdominal pain

You have previously had an allergic reaction to other thrush medications

What’s Normal? What Symptoms Aren’t?

A woman’s vagina makes discharge that’s usually clear or slightly cloudy. In part, it’s how the vagina cleans itself.

It doesn’t really have a smell or make you itch. How much of it and exactly what it looks and feels like can vary during your menstrual cycle. At one point, you may have only a small amount of a very thin or watery discharge, and at another time of the month, it’s thicker and there’s more of it. That’s all normal.

When discharge has a very noticeable odor, or burns or itches, that’s likely a problem. You might feel an irritation any time of the day, but it’s most often bothersome at night. Having sex can make some symptoms worse.

You notice itching, burning, swelling, or soreness around or outside of your vagina.

It burns when you pee.

Sex is uncomfortable.

Prevent Vaginitis

Keep yourself clean and dry. But doctors don’t recommend vaginal sprays or heavily perfumed soaps for this area. Douching may cause irritation, too, and more importantly, could hide or spread an infection. It also removes the healthy bacteria that do the housekeeping in your vagina. Douching is never recommended.

Avoid clothes that hold in heat and moisture. Nylon underwear, tight jeans, non-breathable gym shorts and leggings, and pantyhose without a cotton panel can lead to yeast infections.

Eating yogurt with active cultures (check the label) might help you get fewer infections.

Condoms are the best way to prevent passing infections between sexual partners.

Get a complete gynecologic exam every year, including a Pap smear if your doctor recommends it.